Join the Conversation

Artists use vinyl to show beginning and end of universe

NAS
11:13 p.m. CDT March 22, 2014

<137>visual1harmony0323:<137> “We Are Again One,” c-print by Kevin Cooley and Phillip Andrew Lewis. The artists’ “Harmony of the Spheres” project is on view at Zeitgeist Gallery through April 26.(Photo: Submitted)

Kevin Cooley and Phillip Andrew Lewis' crisp, sophisticated "Harmony of the Spheres" is a black-and-white contemplation of vinyl. Here, the material used to make records is also a means of interpreting the creation and destruction of the universe.

Melting, breaking down and recasting vinyl records, the artists use various stages of the material for art-making.

The exhibition is at Zeitgeist Gallery through April 26.

It includes "Dark Matter," a series of abstract sculptures made from melted-down vinyl. "Dark Star," also of melted vinyl, is a spiky oversized object suspended from the ceiling.

A lump of burnt vinyl, "Oddity," looks like a moon rock — and its title recalls David Bowie's "Space Oddity." "My God, It's Full of Stars" is a lightbox display of vinyl pellets that suggests a night sky full of twinkly celestial highlights.

There are also elegant photograms of discs suggesting passing planets.

Though the concept is metaphorical, "Harmony of the Spheres" is also a process show. Before the exhibition opened, Cooley and Lewis invited a group of art students from Watkins College to spend an evening smashing records in the gallery.

A video of this is included in the show, and the wall where the records were thrown has been left bearing scuff marks.

Zeitgeist is at 516 Hagan St. and is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. There is no admission fee. For information call 615-256-4805 or go to www.zeitgeist-art.com.